University of Witwatersrand confers honorary doctorate on ISSER's Emeritus Professor Ernest Aryeetey

  • March 27, 2025 By Vquartey
  • Time to read 1 minute
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Prof. Ernest Aryeetey with senior management of Wits University.

ISSER’s Emeritus Professor Ernest Aryeetey, a distinguished African economist and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree by the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). He was among three distinguished scholars honored during the first cluster of Wits University's 2025 graduation ceremonies, receiving recognition for his extraordinary achievements in higher education, research, and academic leadership.

Wits University's Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi, celebrated the honorees, stating, "These remarkable individuals have made lasting contributions to their respective fields, advancing knowledge, research, and policy that benefit society at large. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and welcome them into the Wits community."

A citation read in his honour described Prof. Aryeetey, a former Director of ISSER as "an outstanding African economist" and "one of the continent's most prominent leaders in higher education." It highlighted his leadership in various academic and research institutions, including his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana and his role in leading ISSER, described as “one of Ghana’s most accomplished research institutions.”

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A glowing citation is read as Prof. Aryeetey receives his honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Wits University.

The citation further acknowledged Prof. Aryeetey's instrumental role in establishing and consolidating the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), a network of research-intensive universities committed to advancing knowledge and collaboration across Africa. With an academic career spanning four decades, Prof. Aryeetey has significantly influenced higher education and economic research across Africa. His commitment to fostering research excellence and strengthening institutional collaborations has left a lasting impact on the academic landscape.

The conferment ceremony took place on Tuesday, 26 March 2025, at the University of the Witwatersrand's main campus in Johannesburg.

ISSER congratulates Emeritus Prof. Ernest Aryeetey on this distinguished recognition.

For more details on the award ceremony and to read the full citation, please click here.